SHANA - Hamid Reza Araghi, the CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), appointed Hassan Montazer Torbati as his first deputy.

According to the company, Mr. Araghi on Wednesday issued a decree based on which Mr. Torbati was granted the post as NIGC first deputy CEO and vice-chairman of its board of directors.

Mr. Araghi will retire from his post as NIGC CEO as he is subject to a law which bans activities of retired personnel in state-run companies in Iran including NIGC.

The appointment came after the CEO of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Ali Kardor, also delegated his powers to Mohsen Paknejad for the same reason earlier this week.